Techweek Detroit starts Monday

The second annual Techweek Detroit starts this week and it’s going to be more than just a bunch of computer programmers sitting around comparing pocket protectors. This is going to be the real deal. Presented by Dan Gilbert’s Quicken Loans, “It is the mission of Techweek Detroit to provide an open space for all who are passionate about technology to be a part of the conversation.”

This year’s Techweek Detroit will be “Offering the insights and wisdom of more than 30 local and national industry leaders, Techweek Detroit will build upon its reputation as the nation’s leading technology conference and festival.” Included in this variety of high profile speakers are community members such as the Detroit Lions’ CFO Luis Perez; Dan Ward who co-founded Detroit Labs; and Michelle Lee, the Deputy Director of the US Patent and Trademark Office; and many more.

But this won’t be merely a series of speeches. There is so much more to Techweek than that. Just a few of the many events listed on their website include a film screening, a hiring fair, a Startup competition, and even a fashion show.

On Tuesday, the M@dison Building will be hosting a private film screening of the Oscar-winning documentary “Citizenfour”. It is the documentary of reporter Laura Poitras’ correspondence with her – at the time – anonymous source known only as “Citizenfour” and her eventual meeting and interview with the infamous NSA whistle-blower, Edward Snowden. The film will be screened starting at 6 p.m.

For those looking to start in the technology industry, there will also be a LAUNCH Startup Competition that will feature pre-qualified startups competing for cash and prizes valued at around $50,000. All of the competitors will present their new businesses to a panel of judges who will decide the winner. The judges will be tech industry and business leaders. The first round will be held at Ford Field’s Town Square from 1 – 5 p.m. on Thursday the 16th.

Job seekers looking to get into the business, there will be a hiring fair which will be complimentary to anyone who brings in a resume. The Hiring Fair will be held on Friday the 17th from 12 – 5 p.m. at Ford Field Town Square. The Techweek announcement describes it best: “The Hiring Fair is all about matching talented people with the right jobs.”

Rounding out the more noteworthy Techweek Detroit events is a technology-inspired fashion show. Preceded by a happy hour starting at 5:30 p.m. , the FashionTECH Runway Show will start at 7 p.m. on Friday the 17th. Ford Field’s Summit Stage will play host to the “latest in wearable technology and e-commerce.” This fashion show will highlight the marriage of fashion and technology.

There will be events all week. To find a more detailed schedule and to register, head to TechWeek’s website.

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Annemarie grew up in the Detroit area and has loved every moment of it. On a good day, she can be found hiking the trails of one of Michigan's beautiful State Parks. On a great night, you can find her rocking the mic in front of the karaoke machine.